Readers may remember last year Daniel Rooke and his wife, Deborah, launched the Isle of Wight Christmas Toy Appeal.
They said they were motivated to launch the campaign last year after discovering what they felt were unacceptably high levels of children living in poverty. The 2012 Appeal was hugely successful with 2,233 gifts donated, smashing the original 500 gift target.
Target of 2,500 gifts
The Christmas Toy Appeal is being run again this year, with the reach expanded further, working with more than 20 of the Island’s charities helping to deliver an extra gift to 2,500 deserving children this Christmas.
Daniel says,
“These may be children who are sick, life limited, bereaved, caring for a disabled parent or whose parents simply can’t afford to buy presents for them this year.”
Testimonial
If you’re wondering where the gifts ended up last year and what impact they had, just check out some of the testimonials below.
“The parents were so thankful, a few mums cried, it gave me such a warm feeling being able to give something to families who need it. Thank you so much to everyone who donated toys and all the people behind the scene collecting presents, wrapping them and all the other jobs that made it all possible.” ~ Emma Bush, Ventnor Children’s Centre
“I was totally amazed with the two presents I got from the Toy Appeal. Top quality and perfect for their ages. They are well used every day. Thank you Toy Appeal”
“The books were absolutely amazing. I couldn’t believe it! She loves Dora and I have been reading them to her every night before bed. Thank you, so much!” ~ Comments from a families at Ventnor Children’s Centre
Mr Watts, father of 5 young children, said he was overjoyed at the kindness offered to his family and that the children loved their Christmas presents. ~ East Newport Children Centre
“Thank you all so much for making lots of children’s Christmas special this year.” ~ Dionne Davies, Play Specialist, St Mary’s Hospital
“My daughter was in hospital last Christmas with pneumonia and it really lifted her spirits to have a present from the appeal. THANK YOU!” ~ Emma Honey, Parent.
“The gifts made Christmas extra special for all of the children at Yarborough House, it is so kind and thoughtful for people to have donated a present. All of the staff and families at Yarborough House would like to thank everybody who gave to this worthwhile cause.” ~ Laura Chappell, Senior Support Worker, Yarborough House.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the amazing gifts that you gave our Young Carers today at their Family Christmas Party. Thank you to everyone who donated these fantastic toys, they really have made such a huge difference.” ~ Linda Edge, YMCA Young Carer’s Co-ordinator
“Thank you so much for all the toys that you brought round to Home-Start. We distributed them to many grateful families. Thank you for all your hard work.” ~ Shahida Nehorai, Senior Co-ordinator, Home Start IOW
How to get involved
Residents are asked to buy an extra gift this year and deliver to one of the many drop-off points around the Island between 15th November and 13th December.
They ask for new gifts only (to include batteries if necessary) for ages 0-16. Please don’t wrap the present, this is done by volunteers after they have sorted into age and gender categories.
You can drop off your gift at a variety of locations around the Island:
Cowes: Charlotte’s Academy and RedJet Terminal
Freshwater: West Wight Sports Centre
Newport: Argos, The Entertainer, Mothercare, County Press, IW Radio
Ryde: Tesco Extra and Toymaster
Sandown: Rapanui
Shankin: Toymaster
Ventnor: The Royal Hotel
If you know of a local charity or non-profit making organisation that could benefit from the Christmas Toy Appeal, please email details to [email protected]
